Laerskool Culembeeck has added another feather to its cap after being recognised as the Top Performing Quintile 3 School at the South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF) Annual Awards, celebrating the school’s commitment to academic excellence and the development of mathematical talent among its learners.

The school received the exciting news that it had been invited to the prestigious awards ceremony, held at Lagoon Beach Hotel in Cape Town on October 17, following an impressive performance in the South African Mathematics Challenge (SAMC).

The annual competition, organised by SAMF in partnership with the Association for Mathematics Education of South Africa, provides learners with an opportunity to develop their mathematical skills, challenge themselves academically and compete against other learners from across the country.

According to Laerskool Culembeeck teacher Tshepo Mogopudi, the school’s achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of both its learners and teachers.

“Every year, we register our learners for the South African Mathematics Challenge. This year, just over 80 learners took part in the first round, which was written in March. Of those learners, 40 qualified for the second round after achieving 50% or more,” said Mogopudi.

The school’s performance continued to impress, with two Grade Seven learners progressing to the national final round, placing them among the country’s top 400 learners in grades four to seven, with the top 100 learners represented in each grade.

The two finalists travelled to St Stithians Boys’ Preparatory College in Bryanston in September, where they wrote the final-round assessment.

Mogopudi said the national recognition was a proud moment for the school and a testament to the value of providing learners with opportunities to participate in academic competitions.

Culembeeck’s achievements, however, extend beyond the SAMC, with the school also participating in evening mathematics competitions that bring together schools, including several private schools from Johannesburg’s northern suburbs. These competitions provide learners and educators with opportunities to test their knowledge, exchange ideas and develop creative approaches to problem-solving.

In June, Culembeeck achieved a joint first-place finish alongside Pridwin Boys’ Preparatory College in Melrose, Sandton, demonstrating that dedication and academic excellence can deliver outstanding results in a competitive environment.

For Laerskool Culembeeck, the recognition is not only a celebration of this year’s success but also an inspiration to continue raising the bar.

“We are over the moon with this achievement, and we are very proud of Mogopudi for the hard work that he always puts into this subject. It shows the fruits of his hard work. He works extra hours, is innovative and creative,” said head of department Godfrey Maseko.